This Is How We Fight Our Battles
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Thursday, September 17, 2020 This Is How We Our Battles Text: Exodus 17:8-15 The Amalekites Defeated 8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up— one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted up against[c] the throne of the Lord,[d] the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” 1 Thursday, September 17, 2020 Battles can be won or lost based on how they’re fought. Whether it’s an army, sports team, business, church or a family it can come down to one thing- A Strategy When we encounter battles, challenges and struggles a strategy can make or lack of one can break us. We are living in Unconventional times. It’s unconventional because it is different from what is usual or the way we do things. Could it be that the challenges, battles, and struggles that you’re having now are calling for an unconventional approach? The passage we read focuses on a war between Israel and the Amalekites. How many of you have ever heard of the Amalekites before today? Well, let me tell you a little bit about them. Amalek was a grandson of Esau. Esau and his brother Jacob didn’t have the best of relations ever since Jacob stole Esau’s birthright. Ever since that time, the two were never able to live with one another. It seems that his angry and bitter attitude was given to the generations to come. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19 17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 2 Thursday, September 17, 2020 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. 19 When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget! This gives you a good idea as to what these Amalekites were like. They were cheap shot artists - attacking and killing the weakest and the sickest of the Israelites that couldn’t keep up with the group. Amalek Attacks Israel vs 1 Moses tells Joshua choose men to go down with you and fight. (There are battles that you will have to fight. Running or hiding will not be an option.) *You can’t win a battle that you’re not willing to face. 3 Thursday, September 17, 2020 3 Lessons on how we are to fight our battles Slide: There is a spiritual side to the battles we face. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. Slide: 2 Corinthians 10:4 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Slide: Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 4 Thursday, September 17, 2020 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Slide: We need spiritual support in times of battles. Exodus 17:12 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up— one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Slide: Don’t forget God when you get the victory 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted up against[c] the throne of the Lord,[d] the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” We are living in unconventional times and it calls for unconventional strategies. Are you winning or whining over your Amalekite battles? No need to whine when you have God fighting your battles. For those watching and you need the spiritual support. You are tired and your hands are getting weak you need people who can pray for you and with you. We have prayer 7 5 Thursday, September 17, 2020 days a week. Following our service you can receive prayer by clicking on the zoom link. Someone will be there to pray for you. 6.